It’s no secret that the tone has changed. For years, a trip to the U.S. was a beloved Canadian pastime. A quick jaunt across the border for cheap gas, outlet shopping, or even just a burger fix. But lately? That’s shifting.
Across the country, Canadians are quietly and increasingly avoiding the U.S. as a spending and travel destination. And while it’s not driven by political outrage alone, the Trump-era tariff rhetoric, coupled with economic uncertainty and a weaker loonie, has many rethinking where their dollars go.
So, what are Canadians doing instead?
They’re pivoting, and with purpose.
1. Shopping Local, Not Just as a Trend, But as a Statement
The “shop local” movement is no longer just about artisan markets and Instagrammable lattes. It’s become a financial strategy and, for many, a quiet protest.
Canadians are putting their wallets to work supporting homegrown businesses, knowing every dollar spent at a Canadian company stays in the country, fueling jobs, innovation, and resilience.
According to a CIBC-commissioned Ipsos poll, nearly 7 in 10 Canadians are consciously choosing to save rather than spend this summer.
Whether it’s opting for Canadian content over U.S. streaming platforms or choosing Canadian-made apparel over American fast fashion, it’s a subtle shift with significant potential impact.
2. Rethinking Travel: From Cross-Border to Cross-Province
Historically, summer meant cross-border shopping sprees and trips to U.S. cities. Not anymore.
This year, Canadian tourism is booming, not from international visitors, but from Canadians themselves.
From the Bay of Fundy to the Rockies, people are staying close to home and rediscovering the beauty in their backyard. They’re:
- Taking Via Rail across Quebec
- Booking cabins from Muskoka to the Laurentians
- Exploring Indigenous cultural experiences
- Supporting small-town tourism.
It’s more than travel; it’s a conscious economic contribution to communities that need it.
3. A Weak Canadian Dollar and Smarter Consumer Choices.
Let’s be honest, part of this is simply math. With the Canadian dollar hovering under 75 cents U.S., American purchases don’t have the same appeal.
That weekend away in New York? It’s now 30% more expensive than it was a few years ago.
Instead, Canadians are being more intentional. The takeaway? Financially and emotionally, Canadians are looking inward, and liking what they find.
4. It’s Not Just About the Money, It’s About Values
Let’s call it what it is: for many Canadians, recent U.S. policies and rhetoric, from trade tariffs to cultural clashes, have struck a nerve.
It’s not about anti-Americanism. It’s about pro-Canadianism.
We’re seeing a quiet patriotism take hold, not the flag-waving kind, but a deeply rooted pride in our country’s values. Whether it’s access to healthcare, inclusive policies, or climate commitments, Canadians are voting with their dollars.
Here’s what I know: Canadians are savvy, thoughtful consumers. They understand that every dollar has power. And right now, they’re choosing to use that power differently.
This quiet boycott of U.S. travel and spending may not make global headlines, but it’s shaping our economy in real time.
So whether you’re sipping Ontario wine on a cottage dock or exploring a new trail in British Columbia, know this: You’re investing in Canada — and that’s something to be proud of.
Pattie – plr@heb.ca
